Page 2 of Exes That Puck
“What is it?” Payton presses.
“I need a second.” My voice shakes.
She nods, concern in her eyes, but I’m already pushing through the crowd, bolting out the front door. Cool night air smacks me in the face. I rush down the porch steps only to freeze at the sound of his voice.
“Leaving so soon?”
Zeke comes down the steps slow, like I’m a wild animal he doesn’t want to spook. Hands up, palms open. The move is so familiar it hurts.
I swipe the tears from my face, taking a step back. “What do you want?”
“You look upset.”
A humorless laugh breaks from me. “Yeah, well, that’s nothing new for you, is it?”
“Hey, Kare. I’m just trying to help. Let me take you home.”
The nickname digs like claws. “The last thing I want is to be anywhere near you.”
I storm off, no plan, no idea where I’m going.
His footsteps close in, and suddenly he’s walking along side me. “Come on, Kara.”
“Drop it, Zeke.” My voice sharpens, déjà vu burning in my chest. He pushes and pushes until I explode.
“Kara.” His hand catches my arm. Not rough. Gentle. Enough to make me pause.
My eyes snap to his. I am so not in the mood for this right now. Lola’s voice echoes in my head,“let’s give him a show.”
Zeke steps closer, eyes dark. “I don’t want you kissing anyone else.”
“We’re broken up. What I do doesn’t concern you anymore.”
I spin away, but he jogs ahead, blocking my path. I try to sidestep. He mirrors me. My blood simmers.
“Leave me alone, Zeke.”
His jaw flexes. “Are you kissing her to piss me off?”
I glare. “Get over yourself.”
His lips twitch. “You’re so hot when you’re mad.”
I scoff, “That’s the problem! You think I’m hot when I’m mad. When I’m crying. When I’m begging you to leave me alone!”
He holds up his hands. “Fine. I’ll back off. Just let me get you home safe.”
“I came here with my girls, and I’m leaving with them.”
“Your girls?” His laugh is sharp like it’s a joke. “Come on. I’ll take you.”
“No.” I cross my arms.
He takes a step closer. “Come on, Kare. We can talk on the way.”
I take a deep breath, searching his eyes for any trace of bad intentions. I don’t see any red flags. Zeke can be sweet when he wants to be, and that’s the thing. It’s the same exact trap I can’t fall for.
“I’m walking around the block to cool off. I’m not going home without Payton.” I start walking on the sidewalk.
